Corrections Victoria recruiting for prisons

CORRECTIONS Victoria has launched another recruitment campaign that will support more than 160 corrections jobs in Western Victoria, including at Hopkins Correctional Centre and Langi Kal Kal Prison, as the state's prison expansion program continues to build a safer community.

Hopkins Correctional Centre

CORRECTIONS Victoria has launched another recruitment campaign that will support more than 160 corrections jobs in Western Victoria, including at Hopkins Correctional Centre and Langi Kal Kal Prison, as the state's prison expansion program continues to build a safer community.

The Find the Potential Within recruitment campaign, which kicked off on June 29, is encouraging people who may never have thought about a career in corrections to find out what working in a prison is really like.

An information session will be held tonight in Ararat for anyone considering a career in corrections.

Corrections Victoria is looking for recruits with sound communication skills and life experience, as well as individuals with experience in trades and services to work in prison industries.

Commissioner Jan Shuard said the expansion of Victoria's prison system was delivering modern correctional facilities while supporting employment opportunities across Victoria.

"These are great positions with good working conditions, a positive culture and a supportive environment," she said.

"When it comes to prisons, people have preconceived ideas about the work and the environment, which are often based on stereotypes you might see in movies or on TV.

"They don't match the reality of Victoria's modern prison system, so we want people to look beyond the stereotypes and see the benefits of this rewarding career.

"Victoria's corrections system is a safe and engaging place to work. All of our staff receive ongoing training, which gives them the skills they need to perform their roles to the highest standards."

As part of the major expansion of Victoria's correctional system currently underway, 350 prison beds will open up in Hopkins Correctional Centre over the next 12 months.

Pat McCormick, general manager at Hopkins Correctional Centre said the flexible working hours, strong career opportunities and a chance to make a difference were all things that attracted people to the role.

"We are looking for people who want to support a safer community and who can have a positive impact on people in our criminal justice system," Mr McCormick said.

"You might be a teacher who needs a change of direction, or an office worker who's tired of spending their days behind a desk," he said.

"These roles offer a change of pace, tapping into each person's existing skills and experience."

The department is also recruiting for community corrections staff, who work with offenders on community-based orders to ensure they comply with conditions set by the court or the Adult Parole Board.